Saudi Arabia automotive

Vehicle insurance in Saudi Arabia to cover natural disasters

December 7th 2017 | Saudi Arabia | Passenger vehicles

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA, the central bank) has told insurance companies to include a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy that covers natural disasters. All insurers must integrate such coverage into their policies by January 2018.

According to insurance consultant Louay Abdo, compensation made for the heavy rains and floods in Jeddah in November 2017 have amounted to an estimated SR200m (US$53.3m). In light of these developments, SAMA has decided to amend its insurance products. The policies should cover damage caused by calamities such as rain, hailstorms and floods. It has stressed that vehicles owned by individuals and companies must be covered under these policies.

Hesham Tashkandi, the director general of the insurance control department at SAMA, released a circular stating that all insurance companies must modify their products to comply with the need for comprehensive insurance coverage to include natural disasters. SAMA will ensure that all insurance claimants are made aware of the array of policies available and the appropriate coverage each individual can receive. The circular also states that SAMA can penalise any companies found to be violating the new rules.